A beach too far

Sunset from the lounge

Those colours were simply stunning; yesterday's late upload justfied by the sunset that arrived suddenly and with no warning. Camera gear packed away, lights on etc so a rush around to get everything set up. Worth it I think.
This next photo was taken after it was dark - I have no idea what light was reflecting in the water as there's no moon to speak of.

 

Today's heavy rain arrived as promised so we loaded up our lunch on the basis that we were travelling to a remote part of North Harris and it was entirely likely that there would be no facilities - how right we were.
So we travelled north past Tarbert then left towards Huisinis beach which is highly recommended and is at the end of the road. There is also a house plot close to the beach. The waterfalls beside the road and tumbling from every hillside made the drive worth it on their own.
This road is very definitely single track with plenty of passing places. It crosses two mountains and goes around a sea loch. It is quite exciting and we bet that the views would be glorious on a clear day. We pass the school at Cliamsol which is bordered by two raging torrents and is the size of two garden sheds. We have no idea where the pupils come from as there is absolutely no habitation for miles.
On we go then suddenly we arrive in the grounds of a castle - the road goes through the grounds, around the building almost in the front door then out the other side. There is a river beside the road into the castle which must provide as much salmon as you could eat (we later look it up on the internet and it appears you can drive in, sail or land your helicopter here; they run outdoor courses, fishing, corporate team building etc - if only I'd known!) An old Bentley with a personal numberplate sits outside; how to drive that car on these roads? and where do you go to get it serviced?? On we go, past the castle's employees cottages and also past the house where the people that own this house live. On and on, difficult to believe this is only 16 miles from Tarbert. Finally we spy the beach and it is truly beautiful although we don't venture out because of the driving rain and howling wind. We share the carpark with a council truck; inhabitants on their break. There are three or four houses at the end of the track but this is under a good 12 inches of sand so we don't attempt it - even in a landrover; imagine the phone call to the rental firm.
We decide that however beautiful the views from the plot it is a little too remote even for Gary and turn it round to drive back. If anything, the rain gets heavier but we do meet three cars and a determined dog walker complete with soggy dog.
Fill up with fuel on the way back - you don't want to know the price of a litre up here, it makes you sweat!
Back south of Tarbert and we turn onto the golden road which twists and turns with passing places along the east coast. Somewhat bizzarely the local school bus and coach firm is based here.
We check out two house sites along this road, one of which Gary has noted as a "big croft with permission" None the wiser we drive on.
When we get back to the beaches on the west coast, we cannot resist the temptation of a walk along the sand to the headland. We are the only people to leave footsteps on the beach today - not sure what that says about us or anyone else. Pick up a couple of pebbles for my collection.  Arrive back at the car exhiliarated, wet and cool. Coffee at the ready along with cake from the Co-op.
Back to the house via the Co-op for top up supplies. Gary has a very long chat with Alan of the chickens about land prices, houses for sale and the world in general. He (Alan) says that the road to Huisinis is one where one good turn deserves another! Imagine a man who lives in one of the most remote places in the UK thinking that anywhere else was more inaccesible. Alan promises to have some answers by tomorrow! He also lets slip that one of his sons is a joiner, the other a civil engineer and of course he paints exteriors.
Two photos from the last coffee stop. Too wet to get the cameras out earlier in the day.

looking back to the headland we walked to.

Taransay re-emrges from the cloud cover

Ziggy Stardust by Bowie on the ipod; sun shining in my eyes now; bodes well for tomorrow.
Have just checked out the ferry prices to go to Berneray and North Uist tomorrow or Friday. Will depend on the weather (of course) and the wallet!
It would be a shame to be this close and not visit but we shall see.